Critical thinking is a skill that focuses on using logic and analysis—and not just memorized facts—to answer questions and solve problems. Essentially, critical thinking relies on practicing how to think, not what to think. For example, asking, What makes biology a science? requires far more thought and reflection than asking, What is the definition of biology? Many scholars argue that teaching critical thinking is essential for the effective education of children, especially gifted children, … [Read more...] about What Is Critical Thinking?
Classroom
Grade Skipping: Less School Can Mean More Learning
Although less common than it was decades ago, grade skipping still occasionally occurs in schools today. And research has consistently shown for decades that allowing students to skip grades can lead to numerous benefits for both the student and for society. One recent study analyzed the long-term occupational outcomes of three cohorts of students who had skipped grades compared to similar students who had not skipped a grade. Those who skipped a grade were more likely to subsequently earn … [Read more...] about Grade Skipping: Less School Can Mean More Learning
Giftedness and ADHD
Most of us tend to associate the term “twice-exceptional ” with quirky geniuses, or exceptionally intelligent children who also happen to be on the autism spectrum. However, gifted students can also receive learning disability labels or a diagnosis of a health impairment such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), both of which impact school success and fall under the umbrella of twice-exceptionality. The term twice-exceptional indicates that a student has two forms of … [Read more...] about Giftedness and ADHD
Giftedness Coupled with a Specific Learning Disability?
You know your child is bright, but why is he or she still struggling with certain academic tasks? Maybe your child is a great reader but can’t seem to grasp the main idea of a passage or answer simple comprehension questions. Perhaps your child has incredible ideas but can’t seem to express them in writing. It’s possible your child is twice-exceptional (2e), or gifted with a disability. In this case, your gifted child might also have a specific learning disability (SLD). Gifted students with … [Read more...] about Giftedness Coupled with a Specific Learning Disability?
Academic Acceleration Helps Academically Talented Students Learn
Although pull-out programs are the most common form of trying to meet the educational needs of gifted students, they are not the only method of supplementing the education of academically talented students. Numerous reviews have been published listing different ways these needs can be addressed. … [Read more...] about Academic Acceleration Helps Academically Talented Students Learn
How Many Ability Levels Can One Teacher Juggle? The Case for Differentiated Differentiation
One of the first steps of advocating for academically talented students is identifying that their educational needs aren’t being met in the classroom. Obviously, there are numerous ways this can be done. One compelling way was recently reported in a recent Gifted Child Quarterly article that showed the range of reading scores of elementary school students. The study measured the number of words students could read in a minute (commonly referred to as oral reading fluency). For example, some … [Read more...] about How Many Ability Levels Can One Teacher Juggle? The Case for Differentiated Differentiation
The Effects of Participating in Gifted Programs Extend Beyond Academics
Will participating in this program make my child feel good about him/herself? Will it help him/her academically? Or could it do both at the same time? These are important and valid questions that all parents should consider when making decisions about their child’s academic experiences. … [Read more...] about The Effects of Participating in Gifted Programs Extend Beyond Academics
General Intelligence
What is it? The scientific idea of general intelligence, often called 'g', was initially introduced by Charles Spearman in 1904. According to Spearman, people have varying amount of general intelligence that are used in most cognitive tasks. Often overlooked, Spearman also proposed that there are specific intelligences that are used within particular areas that are not related to other cognitive tasks. For example, a specific intelligence may be a high verbal ability that helps a person … [Read more...] about General Intelligence
Gagné’s Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent
Is there a meaningful difference between the student who excels with no apparent effort and one who excels through persistent diligence? Their performance and outcomes may be the same, but their paths vastly differ. Francois Gagné’s differentiated model of giftedness and talent considers behaviors that appear spontaneously easy different from those that require mastery through extensive training. … [Read more...] about Gagné’s Differentiated Model of Giftedness and Talent
Talent Search Model: Stanley
In the summer of 1968, Julian Stanley, a professor at Johns Hopkins University learned about a 12-year-old boy named Joe. Joe was an excellent student for his age. In fact, he could be found helping graduate students in computer science with some of their projects. To test Joe’s intelligence, Dr. Stanley arranged for Joe to take the SAT the following fall when he was in the eighth grade. It turned out that Joe scored better than most Johns Hopkins students, even though he hadn’t even started … [Read more...] about Talent Search Model: Stanley